Download Section 12-3 RNA and Protein Synthesis

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Section 12-3 RNA and Protein Synthesis
Key Concepts
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What are the three main types of RNA?
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What is transcription?
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What is translation?
The Structure of RNA
1. List the three main differences between RNA and DNA.
a.
b.
c.
2. What is the importance of the cell’s ability to copy a single DNA sequence into RNA?
Types of RNA
3. What is the one job in which most RNA molecules are involved?
4. Complete the table about the types of RNA.
TYPES OF RNA
Type
Function
Carries copies of the instructions for assembling amino acids from
DNA to the rest of the cell
Ribosomal RNA
Transfers each amino acid to the ribosome to help assemble
proteins
Transcription
5. Circle the letter of each sentence that is true about transcription.
a. During transcription, DNA polymerase binds to RNA and separates the DNA strands.
b. RNA polymerase uses one strand of DNA as a template to assemble nucleotides into a
strand of RNA.
c. RNA polymerase binds only to DNA promoters, which have specific base sequences.
d. Promoters are signals in RNA that indicate to RNA polymerase when to begin
transcription.
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RNA Editing
6. Many RNA molecules from eukaryotic genes have sections, called
edited out of them before they become functional. The remaining pieces, called
______________, are spliced together.
7. Is the following sentence true or false? RNA editing occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell.
8. What are two explanations for why some RNA molecules are cut and spliced?
a.
b.
The Genetic Code
9. Proteins are made by joining
polypeptides.
into long chains called
10. How can only four bases in RNA carry instructions for 20 different amino acids?
11. What is a codon?
12. Circle the letter of the number of possible three-base codons.
a. 4
b. 12
c. 64
d. 128
13. Is the following sentence true or false? All amino acids are specified by only one
codon.
14. Circle the letter of the codon that serves as the “start” codon for protein synthesis.
a. UGA
b. UAA
c. UAG
Translation
15. What occurs during the process of translation?
16. Where does translation take place?
d. AUG
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17. Circle the letter of each sentence that is true about translation.
a. Before translation occurs, messenger RNA is transcribed from DNA in the nucleus.
b. Translation occurs in the nucleus.
c. It is the job of transfer RNA to bring the proper amino acid into the ribosome to be
attached to the growing peptide chain.
d. When the ribosome reaches a stop codon, it releases the newly formed polypeptide
and the mRNA molecule.
18. What is an anticodon?
The Roles of RNA and DNA
Match the roles with the molecules. Molecules may be used more than once.
Roles
Molecules
19. Master plan
a. DNA
20. Goes to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm
b. RNA
21. Blueprint
22. Remains in the nucleus
Genes and Proteins
23. Many proteins are
which catalyze and regulate chemical reactions.
24. Is the following sentence true or false? Genes are the keys to almost everything that living
cells do.
Reading Skill Practice
A flowchart is useful for organizing the steps in a process. Make a flowchart that shows
the steps in the process of translation. Look at Figure 12-18 on pages 304-305 for help.
For more information about flowcharts, see Appendix A. Do your work on a separate
sheet of paper.